Taping Techniques

Tapes provide rehabilitation to those suffering from injuries and also protect individuals involved in strenuous activities from hurting or pulling their muscles or tendons. They are particularly beneficial for physios, athletic trainers and sports therapists because they preempt musculoskeletal and sports injuries. Kinesiology taping is a popular taping technique because of its therapeutic benefits. It is designed to provide protection during healing and aid in the prevention of injury.

Kinesiology tape

Kinesiology tape is different from conventional products because of its taping technique and tape properties. Kinesiology tape has unique elastic qualities. It does not require tight strapping of injuries or vulnerable spots but can either be applied directly over them or around their periphery. It is non-restrictive and flexible in nature and moves with the body. Because KT tape does not need to be wound tightly, so it does not restrict movement and circulation.It allows blood circulation and flexible range of motion. Kinesiology tapes are breathable, allowing sweat to evaporate quickly.

Kinesiology tape can be worn at a stretch for 4 to 5 days, even while in the shower or out swimming. It is water resistant and does not get wet or peel off but just needs to be patted dry.

Kinesiology tape has several therapeutic benefits including healing from trauma and inflammatory conditions, providing muscular support and relief from pain. Its flexible nature allows it to move with the body providing therapy 24x7. The stronger and longer elastic core of KT tape delivers better support for muscles, joints and tendons without restricting range of motion.

Benefits of Kinesiology tape

KT tape has several therapeutic benefits. These include:

Swelling reduction

Kinesiology tape brings down swelling by promoting the efficient working of the lymphatic and venous drainage systems. The elasticity of the tape lifts the skin from the swollen tissue below it, creating a sub-dermal vacuum. This allows quicker drainage and reduction in swelling.

Pain relief

Kinesiology tape is a stretchable elastic cotton strip and stays firmly on the body part with an acrylic adhesive without slipping or peeling off. This ensures the KT tape provides continuous support and brings down pain.

Durability

Kinesiology tape can perform in the harshest environment and last through multiple runs, showers and swims, in the cold or humidity. It stays attached for days overcoming muscle pain, fatigue, soreness and cramping.

Apply the anchor ends without stretching. These points should be in contact with the skin. If the anchor ends are stretched when applying, the tape will come undone

Rub the tape to set the adhesive and ensure all edges are firmly stuck

Ankle and foot taping techniques

Taping techniques vary for different conditions and employing the correct physiotherapy taping technique will ensure faster recovery and total protection. Here are some athletic taping techniques with KT kinesiology tape:

Zinc oxide tape

Zinc oxide tape is made of cotton or rayon and is not stretchable and flexible. It is rigid and has strong medicated zinc oxide adhesive. Ideal to treat sports injuries, zinc oxide tapes can also be used to support muscles around a joint. It provides protection to a previously-damaged area by restricting motion during activity because of its non-stretchable property.

Zinc oxide tape can stay in place for a long time without leading to blisters. It holds overstretched ligaments in place and can also be used to hold in place protective pads and dressings applied to wounds.

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